Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibers Reinforced Hybrid Composites

Author(s):

Raghavendra Supreeth B.S , Vidyavardaka College of Engineering; Vinod. B, Vidyavardaka College of Engineering; Dr. L. J. Sudev, Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering

Keywords:

Pineapple Leaf Fibers, Jute Fibers, Chemical Treatment, Hybrid Composites, Gamma Radiation, Mechanical Properties, Morphology

Abstract:

Composite materials have fully established themselves as workable engineering materials and are now quite common place around the world. The use of natural fibers as reinforcement in polymeric composites for technical application has been a research subject of scientist. Among several natural fibers, Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) is one that has good potential as reinforcement in polymer composite. Jute fibers biodegradability, low cost and moderate mechanical properties make it as a preferable reinforcement material in the development of polymer matrix composites. Extracted PALF and Jute fibers were then subjected to chemical treatment and dried in hot air oven to hinder the water content. In the present work the composite specimens are prepared by using Bisphenol-A (BPA) as a matrix and the short PALF/Jute fibers with length of 9mm and 30% volume fraction as reinforcement. Randomly oriented Hybrid (PALF and Jute) fibers were reinforced with Bisphenol-A matrix and composites have been developed by traditional hand lay-up technique. These test samples were exposed to different gamma radiation dose in the range of 1 to 20 kGy. Then mechanical properties of hybrid composites were tested using computerized UTM machine as per the ASTM standards. The hybrid composites irradiated with 5 kGy radiation dosage delivered the best results. Water absorption behavior of the hybrid composites was also explored. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) has been utilized to understand the mechanical behavior of developed hybrid composites.

Other Details:

Manuscript Id	:	IJSTEV2I4011
Published in	:	Volume : 2, Issue : 4
Publication Date	:	01/11/2015
Page(s)	:	15-23

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